Blanka J.
Instructor
My name is Blanka Janko. I was born in the Czech Republic where I graduated University with masters degree in education ( major in biology, minor in physical education). Since I was 8 years old I played volleyball. This journey took me all the way to the national team. There I learned that my spine would not be able to take all the training required and my professional volleyball career ended right there. I still played the university level. But was crushed by such a set back. Little did I know that years later it would help me to understand human body way better.
My years at the university helped me to train my eye to assess human kinetics. When I took my first pilates lesson in 1997 in Boulder Colorado I was intrigued! I knew this is the love of my life. Not only that the pilates would help me to fix my broken body but also it would be my life calling.
Few years later I joined the pilates training to get my teaching certificate. I was sad I couldn’t train with Joe Pilates as he was long gone. I decided to meet all the people he worked with. I had a pleasure to meet and work with Kathy Grant, Ron Fletcher. I met Romana Kryzanowska. I worked with second generation teachers: the sisters Amy and Rachel. Patricia Guyton in Boulder Colorado, Deborah Lessen in New York. Elizabeth Larkam, Jillian Hessel…
I completed my one year comprehensive pilates training in Boulder Colorado where I literally lived in the pilates studio because I could not get enough. I completed Stott Mat, reformer and Injuries and special population training.
Over my 23 years teaching pilates I had a pleasure to work with a variety of people coming from all walks of life trying to realign and regain strength and mobility. I worked with high performance athletes ( skiing, figure skating, hockey, synchronized swimming groups…)
I took endless hours of extra training in all aspects of fitness and human kinetics, I have been attending conferences all over this continent to stay educated and up to date.
I had the honour to present at conferences as well.
I was the first pilates instructor at the Mount Royal university in 2003. I was a pilates instructor for hospital staff at all major hospitals in the city. The last 15 years I spent working with a family physician who sends me patients with chronic pain that benefit from my pilates practice ( I have been working with clients after join replacements, low back pain, MS clients, people recovering after surgeries and injuries).
It is my pleasure to bring my knowledge and experience to Club Pilates.